Dan began his career as a journalist, spending more than 20 years as a magazine writer and editor and publishing nine nonfiction books. He eventually specialized in writing about personal finance, with a focus on low-cost index investing.

Dan was introduced to the PWL Toronto team while working on an article for MoneySense magazine in 2012. Inspired by their approach, he joined PWL the following year so he could work directly with investors.

Dan received his Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Investment Manager designations in 2015.

Canadian Couch Potato, Dan’s popular investing blog, debuted in 2010 and continues to be one of the most trusted resources in the country. His podcast of the same name launched in 2016 to bring the message to a wider audience.

Dan continues to write for MoneySense.ca, as well as the Globe and Mail and other publications. He has received a number of awards for his work, including:

· Journalist of the Year, CFA Society of Toronto, 2013 and 2017

· Horizons ETFs Award for ETF Champion of the Year, 2017

· TSX Private Markets Award for Outstanding Internet Presence, 2015

· National Magazine Award (Silver), Personal Finance, 2014

· Best investing blog, Globe and Mail, 2011

When he’s away from the office, Dan enjoys reading, staying fit, watching live music, cheering on the Blue Jays, and visiting the city’s restaurants with his wife, Wendy.

In episode 22 of the podcast, I revisit smart beta, one of the most significant trends in the ETF marketplace. To help explain what smart beta is, and the challenges faced by investors who use these strategies, I interviewed John West of Research Affiliates, a California-based firm that was one of the pioneers of smart beta ETFs.

In my final podcast episode of 2018, I’m joined by Larry Swedroe, who has long been one of my favourite authors on investing and financial planning. Larry and I discuss his latest book, Your Complete Guide to a Successful & Secure Retirement, and we focus on the challenges investors face as they approach the end of their careers.

I’ve always tried to stress that successful investing is about the right process, not the right products. But good products certainly help. In the latest episode of the podcast, my guest is Todd Schlanger of Vanguard Canada, who was one of the architects behind the firm’s asset allocation ETFs, launched earlier this year to great fanfare in the DIY investing community.

There’s a common theme in all three segments of Episode 19 of the podcast: the risk-return trade-off between stocks and bonds. This is hardly an original idea, but it remains one of the most important concepts in investing.

On episode 18 of the podcast, I’m joined by The Globe and Mail’s Rob Carrick, who I think is the top personal finance journalist in Canada. When I made my living as a financial writer, it was always difficult to stay relevant to investors.

Testimonials

PWL has provided me with the peace of mind that comes from knowing my investments aren’t exposed to unnecessary risks. They’ve always made a point of promptly answering any questions I’ve had and processing all my instructions in an expeditious manner, which has led to a very positive working relationship.

Richard Z
Maple, Ontario

Justin, Shannon and PWL Capital have demonstrated a confident professionalism and realistic understanding of my financial situation and expected requirements. They have given me the sense of security and trust that I am looking for: I feel that I am in good hands.

Randy Kenney
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

Shannon and Justin are a rare find in the industry. Before switching I was being charged up to 2.5% in hidden fees. PWL took the time to set me up with a plan that openly states their fees and clearly articulated the nature of the investments. It’s refreshing to meet a team so up-to-date with the latest technology. I can’t recommend this team’s services enough.

Mark Dunkley
Toronto, Ontario

PWL Capital has handled my finances for about 10 years. My confidence level is high as I start into a time of life when significant transitions are made. I rest assured that PWL and its staff are on top of my financial affairs and work within a conservative, reliable and standards-driven organization.

Jill Willington
Richmond Hill, Ontario

We both felt very comfortable with the planning process and the obvious skills of Shannon and Justin. We feel confident about working together in the future with all members of the team.

Jan Nicholls and Paul Sobanski
Peterborough, Ontario

We decided to sign on with Justin and Shannon at PWL Capital for several reasons: the passive investment model, good interpersonal skills, transparency with regards to fees, and adherence to the fiduciary standard. I would have no hesitation to recommend this team.

Dr. Rashid Rajah (MD) and Julie Rajah
Toronto, Ontario

Justin and Shannon offer a level of personal service and expertise that I have not found from any other advisor. The ability to have nearly all of my financial needs met in one place is invaluable and, even more importantly, I appreciate knowing that I will always receive a prompt response to my questions.

Dan and Michelle Scholes
Thornhill, Ontario

We have received outstanding guidance and support from Justin and Shannon. We especially value the math-based rationale and emphasis on asset location and tax implications. And then there is the highly responsive and accommodating style—including custom performance reports—reasonable fees, and willingness to go above and beyond.

Arman Mirchandani
Toronto, Ontario

I sought out the services of Dan Bortolotti at PWL after being frustrated with several other advisors over the years. He has exceeded my expectations: Dan is the ultimate professional, very thorough in all aspects of his work and an excellent communicator who makes even complex issues easy to understand. He takes the time to understand my family’s financial needs and always acts in my best interest. I have finally found peace of mind with Dan and PWL Capital Toronto as my advisors.

Andrew Liaw, Toronto, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario

Canadian Portfolio Manager

Canadian Couch Potato

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In order to keep our fees low and our service level high, PWL’s Toronto team is only able to work with clients with household accounts totaling $1 million or more. If you do not meet our minimum, please visit the Canadian Couch Potato and Canadian Portfolio Manager websites for a host of resources that we offer for free to all investors.

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Portfolio Management and brokerage services are offered by PWL Capital Inc, which is regulated by Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC), and is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF).

Financial planning and insurance products are offered by PWL Advisors Inc., and is regulated in Ontario by Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) and in Quebec by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). PWL Advisors Inc. is not a member of CIPF.